Deo Akope takes Arush golf title
May 16, 2010
UGANDAN Deo ‘Yellow Boy’ Akope exhibited strength in character, edging out highly rated Kenyans in a three-way sudden death playoff to win the first leg of the tense KCB East African Golf Tour in Arusha on Saturday.
By Douglas Mazune
D. Akope 276
R. Ainley 276
S. Ngigi 276
D. Indiza 279
A. Kimani 283
A. Shah 284
B. Kagiri 284
B. Wakhu 284
J. Okello 285
B. Njoroge 287
UGANDAN Deo ‘Yellow Boy’ Akope exhibited strength in character, edging out highly rated Kenyans in a three-way sudden death playoff to win the first leg of the tense KCB East African Golf Tour in Arusha on Saturday.
Akope, who had tied with Richard Ainley and Simon Ngigi wrapped up a hard fought victory when he shot a par on the second hole of the playoff as his title rivals faltered under intense pressure.
Akope, Ngigi and Ainley had set the mood for a tight contest when they all birdied the first hole in the playoff. But the Kenyans cracked on the next hole for Akope to win the sh4.5m cash prize.
“I dedicate this sweet victory to MTN for without their sponsorship, I wouldn’t have come here. The Yellow Boy in me was determined to win here. I came to win and I am glad I achieved my target. I am happy to finally break the Kenyan jinx,†an elated Akope remarked.
Akope has rebranded himself as ‘Yellow Boy’ after he landed MTN sponsorship early this month.
Akope who went into the final round two strokes behind Ainley shot a closing round 71 and managed to draw level when Ainley faltered while Ngigi shot a closing round five under par 67 to force a three-way tie.
D. Akope 276
R. Ainley 276
S. Ngigi 276
D. Indiza 279
A. Kimani 283
A. Shah 284
B. Kagiri 284
B. Wakhu 284
J. Okello 285
B. Njoroge 287
UGANDAN Deo ‘Yellow Boy’ Akope exhibited strength in character, edging out highly rated Kenyans in a three-way sudden death playoff to win the first leg of the tense KCB East African Golf Tour in Arusha on Saturday.
Akope, who had tied with Richard Ainley and Simon Ngigi wrapped up a hard fought victory when he shot a par on the second hole of the playoff as his title rivals faltered under intense pressure.
Akope, Ngigi and Ainley had set the mood for a tight contest when they all birdied the first hole in the playoff. But the Kenyans cracked on the next hole for Akope to win the sh4.5m cash prize.
“I dedicate this sweet victory to MTN for without their sponsorship, I wouldn’t have come here. The Yellow Boy in me was determined to win here. I came to win and I am glad I achieved my target. I am happy to finally break the Kenyan jinx,†an elated Akope remarked.
Akope has rebranded himself as ‘Yellow Boy’ after he landed MTN sponsorship early this month.
Akope who went into the final round two strokes behind Ainley shot a closing round 71 and managed to draw level when Ainley faltered while Ngigi shot a closing round five under par 67 to force a three-way tie.